Madrid, Spain, Mar 15, 2010 / 11:18 pm (CNA).- The Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Lluis Martinez Sistach, invited the faithful to spiritually prepare for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the Spanish city on November 7.  He also said the visit, during which the Holy Father will consecrate the Church of the Holy Family, would highlight the centrality of marriage and the family.
 
Cardinal Sistach underscored the importance of spiritually preparing for the Holy Father’s visit, saying that the faithful should prioritize prayer and seeking a greater understanding of the Pope’s ministry. 

The Archbishop of Barcelona also urged the laity to manifest their gratitude to God for the gift of the visit by keeping their Christian commitments in the Church and in society with greater generosity and care, with solidarity for the poor and those in need as well.
 
In referring to the consecration of the Church of the Holy Family, Cardinal Sistach said that with this act, “The Pope is emphasizing the importance that marriage and family have for the good of persons, the Church, society and the need to defend and help families and life.”
 
“At the same time, his presence at this religious monument, a World Heritage site, shows the value that art and beauty have for the Holy Father, since as he says, 'Beauty can be turned into a path towards the transcendent, towards the ultimate mystery, towards God,'” he added.

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